TÜRKIYE
October 9-18, 2023
Led by Sasan Tavassoli, Iranian Mission Specialist
and Tom Boone, Associate Director for Mission
Each year people from the Persian-speaking regions of the world converge in Türkiye, the country formerly known as Turkey. Some come as refugees while others come for work or leisure. Through social media, online discussion groups, and satellite television programming God has been preparing many of these men and women for an encounter that transforms their lives in Türkiye. It is truly a time of harvest in a key strategic country for the Persian-speaking diaspora.
Our team will join Iranian ministry leaders from around the world who are providing an effective witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ in Türkiye. Our visits will take place in Istanbul, Izmir (the ancient city of Smyrna), and Ephesus. We will come alongside Iranian ministry leaders to see how God is powerfully at work in this region. These visits will both energize us and be a source for our own spiritual renewal.
You will experience the beginning of life-long friendships with amazingly courageous Christian leaders from Iran, hear inspiring stories from refugees, and receive generous hospitality. Additionally, we will tour historic Istanbul, Old Ephesus, and Smyrna, and experience Turkish baths.
The purpose of this trip is to provide you with a clear understanding of what God is doing in the Persian-speaking diaspora and in Iran. Additionally, we will be immersed in ministry with Iranian leaders. Our team will care for, listen to, and pray with refugees from Iran, Central Asia, and Afghanistan while bringing encouragement and spiritual refreshment to ministry leaders. We have been invited to take part in and lead seminars focusing on Christian discipleship, marriage, parenting, and sharing our own faith among people who want to hear our experiences with God. Our preparation will include pre-trip Zoom calls with some of the leaders we will meet.
Ground cost (lodging, in-country airfare, meals, tours, land travel, etc.) is $2,000. Costs for flights to and from Istanbul (IST) are each participant’s responsibility.
For anyone traveling with The Outreach Foundation, we strongly recommend bringing sufficient COVID tests and we ask that each participant self-test daily during the trip. If you test positive, you will report this to the team leader and quarantine from the team for the required time. Additional expenses that you may accrue as a result of a positive test are not covered by The Outreach Foundation. There are no COVID requirements for entry into Türkiye or re-entry into the United States.
You can apply online or print the application and waiver and mail it in. A non-refundable $150 deposit is required to secure your place.
For more information, contact Carol Dublin at carol@theoutreachfoundation.org or call (615) 778-8881.